Perfect Sides for Peking Duck

Originally posted on December 18, 2023 @ 10:25 pm

Peking Duck is a traditional Chinese dish known for its tender meat and crispy skin. While the dish itself is flavorful, it is often served with side dishes that complement and enhance its taste. In this article, we will explore a variety of side dishes that pair perfectly with Peking Duck, ranging from traditional accompaniments to unique pairings that will elevate your dining experience.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Discover a range of traditional and unique side dishes that complement Peking Duck.

Traditional accompaniments like thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber, and scallions are a classic choice.
Unique pairings such as stir-fried noodles, glazed carrots, and au gratin potatoes offer a modern twist.
Light and refreshing options like bean sprouts and pickled radish provide a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the duck.

Incorporate fruits and vegetables to add freshness and vibrant colors to your Peking Duck meal.

Traditional Side Dishes for Peking Duck

When it comes to serving Peking Duck, there are a few traditional side dishes that are an absolute must. These classic accompaniments not only enhance the flavors of the duck but also provide a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

One of the most essential components of a Peking Duck feast is the thin pancake, also known as Chun Bing or Mandarin Pancakes. These delicate pancakes act as a vessel, holding all the delicious ingredients together. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

To assemble your Peking Duck pancake, begin by spreading a layer of sweet bean sauce (Tian Mian Jiang) or hoisin sauce on the pancake. The rich and savory sauce adds depth to the dish. Next, add slices of tender Peking Duck meat, julienned cucumber, and fresh scallions. These ingredients provide a burst of freshness and crunch.

The combination of the thin pancake, succulent duck meat, flavorful sauce, and crisp vegetables is a culinary delight. Each bite offers a balanced blend of sweetness, crunch, and freshness. It’s no wonder this classic combination has stood the test of time.

Julienned Cucumber, Scallions, and Sauce:

Julienned cucumber: Fresh and crisp, cucumber adds a refreshing element to the dish.

Scallions: These fragrant onions provide a hint of pungency and add a pop of green color.
Sweet Bean Sauce (Tian Mian Jiang) or Hoisin Sauce: A savory and slightly sweet sauce that complements the duck perfectly.

To enjoy your Peking Duck pancake, simply roll it up, creating a neat and delicious parcel. Take a bite and savor the harmonious blend of flavors. The tender duck meat, the crispy vegetables, and the umami-rich sauce all come together to create a truly memorable dining experience.

Unique Pairings for Peking Duck

While traditional side dishes are delicious, there are also many unique pairings that can take your Peking Duck feast to the next level. Here are some creative ideas to complement the rich and savory taste of Peking Duck:

White Rice

Green Beans
Garlic Tofu
Stir-Fried Noodles

Mashed Potatoes
Cucumber Salad
Green Salad

Stir-Fry Vegetables
Glazed Carrots
Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Arugula Salad
French Fries
Sweet Potato Mash

Potato Wedges
Au Gratin Potatoes

These side dishes offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors that will enhance your Peking Duck dining experience. Whether you’re looking for something hearty, refreshing, or unique, there’s a perfect pairing to tantalize your taste buds.

Unique Pairings for Peking Duck – Recipe Example

If you’re looking to try one of these unique pairings, here’s a recipe for Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry:

Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 block of firm tofu, cubed

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup sliced mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add tofu and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the sliced vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry alongside Peking Duck for a unique and flavorful pairing.

Try this delicious Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry alongside your Peking Duck for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Light and Refreshing Side Dishes

If you prefer lighter and more refreshing side dishes to accompany your Peking Duck, there are several options that will add a crisp and invigorating element to your meal. These side dishes not only help balance out the richness of the duck but also provide a delightful contrast of flavors. Consider incorporating the following options into your Peking Duck feast:

Bean Sprouts: These crunchy and refreshing sprouts add a delightful texture to your meal.
Julienned Cantaloupe: The juicy and sweet cantaloupe makes for a perfect palate cleanser between bites of rich duck meat.

Garlic: The sharp and pungent flavor of garlic adds a burst of freshness to the meal.
Pickled Radish: The tangy and slightly sour taste of pickled radish complements the savory flavors of the Peking Duck.

You can also pair Peking Duck with light and flavorful options like lotus leaf buns (mantou) or spring rolls. These additions elevate the overall dining experience by introducing different textures and flavors to your plate.

These light and refreshing side dishes provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of Peking Duck, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

Fruit and Vegetable Pairings

Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your Peking Duck meal can provide a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the duck. By serving cherries, apricots, apples, or oranges alongside the duck, you can add a burst of sweetness and tang that complements the savory taste.

Furthermore, a variety of vegetables can be included to enhance the overall dining experience. Consider serving bean sprouts, julienned cucumber, and stir-fried green beans as side dishes. These vegetables not only add a pop of color to your plate but also offer a refreshing and healthy element to your meal.

Fruit Pairings	Vegetable Pairings
Cherries	Bean Sprouts
Apricots	Julienned Cucumber
Apples	Stir-fried Green Beans
Oranges

These fruit and vegetable pairings not only provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the duck, but also add nutritional value to your meal. Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite combination of fruits and vegetables to serve alongside Peking Duck.

Asian-Inspired Side Dishes

To enhance the Asian flavors of Peking Duck, you can include a variety of Asian-inspired side dishes. Try serving the duck with mung bean sprouts, which provide a crunchy and versatile element to the meal. Traditional Chinese spring rolls, with shredded pork and vegetables, also make a delicious accompaniment to Peking Duck. These side dishes bring additional flavors and textures to the table, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Side Dish	Description
Mung Bean Sprouts	Crunchy and versatile, adds texture to the meal
Chinese Spring Rolls	Delicious combination of shredded pork and vegetables

Starch-Based Side Dishes

When serving Peking Duck, starch-based side dishes can add a satisfying and filling element to your meal. These options provide a comforting and hearty complement to the rich and flavorful duck meat. Consider incorporating the following starch-based side dishes into your Peking Duck feast:

1. Steamed White Rice

Steamed white rice is a classic and versatile choice that pairs well with Peking Duck. Its subtle flavor and fluffy texture help to balance the savory flavors of the duck. Enjoy a spoonful of rice alongside each bite of succulent duck meat for a harmonious combination.

2. Stir-Fried Noodles

For a more robust side dish, stir-fried noodles are an excellent option. Choose your favorite type of noodles, whether it’s thin rice noodles or egg noodles, and toss them with vegetables and a savory sauce. The chewy texture and flavorful sauce enhance the overall dining experience of enjoying Peking Duck.

3. Creamy Potato Dish

For those who crave a creamy and comforting side dish, consider serving mashed potatoes or potato wedges with Peking Duck. The smooth and buttery mashed potatoes melt in your mouth, while the crispy and seasoned potato wedges add a satisfying crunch. Both options provide a delightful contrast to the tender duck meat.

These starch-based side dishes not only offer a substantial and satiating component to your Peking Duck meal but also create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairing.

Homemade Pancakes and Sauces

For an authentic Peking Duck experience, nothing beats making your own homemade pancakes and sauces. These traditional accompaniments elevate the flavors of the duck and allow you to customize the taste according to your preferences.

Peking duck pancakes are thin, soft, and pliable, making them the perfect vessel for wrapping the succulent duck meat and other ingredients. Making these pancakes from scratch is surprisingly easy and guarantees a fresher and more authentic dining experience. Simply combine flour, hot water, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth dough. Roll out the dough into thin circles and cook them on a hot, non-stick pan until they become slightly golden and pliable. Stack the pancakes on a plate and cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm and moist.

As for the sauces, sweet bean sauce, also known as Tian Mian Jiang, is a classic condiment that enhances the flavors of Peking Duck. It is made from fermented soybeans, wheat flour, sugar, vinegar, and various spices. You can easily make your own sweet bean sauce at home by combining these ingredients and simmering them until thick and flavorful. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your taste preferences.

In addition to sweet bean sauce, you can also prepare other dipping sauces to add variety to your Peking Duck feast. Consider making a tangy hoisin sauce by combining hoisin sauce, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Alternatively, a simple soy dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chopped scallions can also enhance the flavors of the duck.

“Making your own Peking duck pancakes and sauces adds a personal touch to your dining experience and allows you to create a truly authentic taste.” – [Your Name]

By making your own pancakes and sauces, you can elevate your Peking Duck meal to new heights of deliciousness. The homemade pancakes are soft and pliable, making them the perfect wrapper for the tender duck meat. Pair them with the classic sweet bean sauce and other flavorful dips, and you’ll have a mouthwatering combination that will leave you craving for more.

Wine and Drink Pairings

When planning your Peking Duck feast, consider pairing the meal with complementary wines or other beverages. A well-chosen drink can elevate the flavors of the duck and provide a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some suggestions for wine and drink pairings:

“The right wine can enhance the flavors of Peking Duck and create a delightful contrast.”

1. Pinot Noir

Savor the combination of Peking Duck’s richness and the balanced acidity of Pinot Noir. The fruity and earthy notes of this red wine perfectly complement the tender duck meat.

2. Orange Juice

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, serve Peking Duck with a refreshing glass of orange juice. The citrusy flavors will brighten the meal and harmonize with the savory duck.

3. Asian Plum Wine

For a unique Asian-inspired pairing, try serving Peking Duck with Asian plum wine. The plum’s subtle sweetness and delicate aroma beautifully enhance the flavors of the duck.

Enjoy the delicious combination of Peking Duck and your chosen wine or drink. The carefully selected pairing will enhance your dining experience and create a memorable meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, serving side dishes with Peking Duck enhances the overall dining experience and provides a balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Traditional accompaniments such as pancakes, sauces, cucumbers, and scallions are classic choices, while unique pairings and light, refreshing options offer a modern twist. Fruits, vegetables, starch-based dishes, and homemade elements like pancakes and sauces add depth and customization to the meal.

Consider wine and drink pairings to elevate your dining experience further. With a variety of options to choose from, you can create a memorable and delicious meal with Peking Duck and its perfect side dishes.

FAQ

What are some traditional side dishes for Peking Duck?

Traditional side dishes for Peking Duck include thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce or hoisin sauce, julienned cucumber, and scallions.

What are some unique pairings for Peking Duck?

Some unique pairings for Peking Duck include white rice, green beans, garlic tofu, stir-fried noodles, mashed potatoes, cucumber salad, and green salad.

What are some light and refreshing side dishes for Peking Duck?

Some light and refreshing side dishes for Peking Duck include bean sprouts, julienned cantaloupe, garlic, and pickled radish.

What are some fruit and vegetable pairings for Peking Duck?

Some fruit and vegetable pairings for Peking Duck include cherries, apricots, apples, oranges, bean sprouts, julienned cucumber, and stir-fried green beans.

What are some Asian-inspired side dishes for Peking Duck?

Some Asian-inspired side dishes for Peking Duck include mung bean sprouts and traditional Chinese spring rolls.

What are some starch-based side dishes for Peking Duck?

Some starch-based side dishes for Peking Duck include steamed white rice, stir-fried noodles, mashed potatoes, and potato wedges.

Can I make my own homemade pancakes and sauces for Peking Duck?

Yes, you can make your own homemade pancakes and sauces for Peking Duck. Thin, soft, and pliable Peking duck pancakes and sweet bean sauce (Tian Mian Jiang) are classic condiments that can be made from scratch.

What are some wine and drink pairings for Peking Duck?

Some wine and drink pairings for Peking Duck include pinot noir, orange juice, and Asian plum wine.

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Perfect Sides for Peking Duck | Best Pairings